The strategy will focus on four interlinked areas: aquatic food demand, aquatic food supply, workforce, and infrastructure and financing.
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The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to gather input on its forthcoming Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, a long-term framework intended to guide the sector through to 2040.
The initiative will set out a 15-year strategic approach to tackling structural challenges facing fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic food processing, while seeking to safeguard food security and the economic viability of coastal communities.
Announcing the call this week, the Commission highlighted several major challenges facing the fisheries and aquaculture sector, including an ageing workforce, limited generational renewal and exposure to external shocks. It also faces continued reliance on fossil fuels and the need to ensure fish stocks are harvested sustainably.
"The Vision 2040 aims to address these challenges across the entire value chain, covering fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic food processing," the Commission said, building on commitments made under the European Ocean Pact, findings from the Fishers of the Future foresight study, and the ongoing evaluation of the common fisheries policy (CFP) regulation.
The strategy will focus on four interlinked areas: aquatic food demand, aquatic food supply, workforce, and infrastructure and financing. It will also examine how to simplify regulatory requirements, with the aim of delivering policy objectives in a cost-effective and proportionate manner.
The call for evidence is open until 24 March 2026. The Commission is inviting contributions from fishing industry representatives and producer organisations, aquaculture and processing operators, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, public authorities, social and economic partners, and individual citizens. Submissions can be made through the Commission’s Have Your Say portal.
The feedback gathered will feed directly into the development of the Vision 2040. Alongside the consultation, the Commission said it is continuing structured dialogue with stakeholders on issues including fair competition, food security, conservation of marine biological resources, and supporting the green, digital and social transition in coastal regions.
The call for applications to join the new European Ocean Board will remain open until 10 March 2026.
The European Commission also recently announced it is setting up a high-level European Ocean Board to guide the roll-out of the European Ocean Pact, and is calling for experts to apply to join.
The Commission is seeking candidates with experience in ocean governance, the maritime economy, fisheries and coastal policy, particularly at European or international level. The final board will include up to 25 members, who will meet for the first time in March 2026.